Karnataka’s New PUC Norms: Why Your Vehicle Might Fail the Emission Test

The Karnataka Transport Department and Pollution Control Board are worried about air pollution, and they are making big changes to clean up the roads. As part of these changes, the state has been revising the Pollution Under Control (PUC) norms and they are getting stricter and stricter throughout the state and especially in cities like Bangalore, Mysore, Mangalore and Hubli. 

If you have recently failed your PUC or you want to know what all of the changes are ;you are in the right place because this guide will break everything down in plain and simple terms and we will show you how to stay ahead of changes using tools like CarInfo. We will also describe what to do when you fail the PUC test. 

And, yes, we will talk about all of this in reference to Karnataka traffic challans to make it easy to understand how to avoid fines.

What Is a PUC Certificate and Why Is It Important?

A Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate is proof that your vehicle’s emissions are within legal limits set by law. It is a requirement under the Motor Vehicles Act and is required for all types of vehicles – be it a car, scooter, or commercial truck. 

Driving without a valid PUC can carry with it a Karnataka challan of up to ₹10,000. In some instances, the vehicle’s RC (Registration Certificate) may also be flagged or suspended.

What’s New in Karnataka’s PUC Norms?

In early 2025, Karnataka’s RTO and pollution-control authorities instituted stricter emission standards for all vehicle categories. It’s what has changed:

1. Lower Emission Criteria.

Both Petrol Vehicles have lower limits for Carbon Monoxide (CO) and Hydrocarbon (HC) and Diesel Vehicles are also tested for lower smoke density (HSU).

When you have a minimum misfire, where one of your cylinders isn’t working, you may fail the test now.

2. Tighter Restrictions for Older Vehicles.

If your vehicle is over 10 years of age, you have an increased chance of failing due to wear and tear in your engine. Now all vehicles over 10 years old will have to follow more stringent inspections based on the new Karnataka emission protocols.

3. Real Time Login for PUC Tests.

All PUC (Pollution Under Control) readings are automatically logged into the central VAHAN database within a few hours. Therefore, it eliminates all manual correction and errors or possible tampering.

4. Static Penalty for Expired PUC tickets treated as Challans.

If you have an expired PUC ticket, it can automatically become a Karnataka e challan on your registered number plate. Karnataka traffic police are now issuing Karnataka traffic challans through their smart devices that are tied to the RTO database or other peripheral devices for enforcement.

Check: How to Pay Traffic E Challan Without Challan Number

Why You Might Fail the PUC Test in Karnataka

This is what can cause a failed test: 

• Late servicing (old engine oil, dirty air filters) 
• Poor fuel quality 
• Bad spark plugs or injectors 
• Diesel vehicles emitting black smoke 
• Taking the test with a cold engine 

If you’re in Bangalore or Mysore, these will give you a vehicle challan Karnataka entry before you even get stopped by the police.

How to Check Your PUC and Challan on CarInfo

The CarInfo app makes it easy to track your vehicle’s documents, including your PUC certificate and any pending Karnataka traffic challans.

Steps:

1. Open the CarInfo app or visit carinfo.app
   
2. Enter your vehicle registration number
   
3. Tap on “PUC Certificate” to check its status
   
4. Use the “Challan” tab to view:
   
   • Your active Karnataka E challan Status
     
   • Fine amount
     
   • Date and location of the violation
     
   • Challan source (police camera or manual entry)
     

This avoids surprises during road checks or insurance renewals.

How to Ensure You Pass the Test

Before your next PUC check:

• Schedule regular maintenance for your vehicle
• Replace air filters, spark plugs, and other components that are due to be replaced
• Drive the vehicle for at least 10 minutes before taking a reading (to avoid cold engine readings)
• Use high quality fuel
• You may consider decarbonizing older engines

Doing this can help you avoid both test failures and Karnataka vehicle challan penalties.

What If You Don’t Have a Valid PUC?

Your Karnataka challan could show a PUC-related offense. Here’s what it could cost you:

Violation	Penalty
Driving without PUC	₹10,000 + possible RC action
Repeated violation	Seizure of vehicle
Using fake/expired certificate	Police complaint + challan

A Karnataka traffic challan check might also flag your RC for legal action or insurance block.

Where to Get a PUC in Karnataka

You can get your PUC test done at: 

• Fuel stations
• RTO-authorized testing centres
• Private vehicle service stations

Final Thoughts

Karnataka’s new PUC regulations may seem tough, but they simply fit into the bigger scheme of things that will help to mitigate pollution and protect public health.

If you keep your vehicle in top working order, and check documents such as insurance and PUC online through platforms like CarInfo, you should not experience needless Karnataka RTO challan entries or fines from the police.

Remember

• You should always maintain a valid PUC.
• Check CarInfo to see if you have any Karnataka challans placed on you.
• Do not ignore a Karnataka police challan and pay it online rather than incurring late fees.

These types of small actions are an impactful contribution to the environment  and your bank account!